Death is an inevitability of life, one that our ancestors accepted with calm, preparing for it. Ancient Lithuanians believed in an afterlife, thinking that when a person dies, the spirit does not disappear – it leaves the body but continues to visit and communicate with the living. Even today, during major holidays, we honor the memory of the deceased by praying, visiting graves, and leaving a plate for them at the Christmas Eve table.

During the program, you will learn about the culture of post-mortem photography, mourning jewelry, traditions of wakes and burials, ways the living communicated with the dead, and folk superstitions – signs that forewarn of death and dos and don’ts when someone passes away.

REQUEST: Please maintain solemnity – you are attending a wake. DRESS CODE: Black.

WARNING: The Postmortem room may shock visitors with sensitive nerves and children. Recommended for ages 13 and above.

  • Number of participants
    5 – 20 people
  • Duration
    1 hour
  • Age
    13 and above
  • Price
    15 eur/pers.
  • Languages
    LT, ENG
Contact for a reservation
 

Pakruojis Manor invites visitors to the only Postmortem Room in the Baltic States, where the line between this world and the beyond is drawn. In this space, steeped in sadness and the pain of loss, a grieving widow will guide guests through ancient pagan and Christian death rituals, discussing their significance, and historical and cultural shifts. Touching the late 19th- and early 20th-century funeral and ritualistic items reminds visitors of the fragility and meaning of life. It often takes people back to personal experiences of grief, allowing them to revisit and release their sorrow. The encounter with Death in this educational program encourages liberation from the fear of death, purification, and a greater sense of being alive. The gloomy “Memento mori” atmosphere leads to an inner transformation – a catharsis – bringing forth a bright and joyful “Carpe diem” moment, inviting one to celebrate life and love with all their heart.

To ensure this visit remains unforgettable, after the Postmortem Room program, participants are invited to capture another memorable experience with the Pakruojis Manor Photographer. The talented master of photography will stop time in a retro photograph. It was once believed that photographers could steal a person’s soul and immortalize it in a photo. The manor’s portraitist uses ancient methods, and the photoshoot is done with an old camera, following the style of the time, requiring subjects to remain still for 3-4 seconds. In the photo lab, guests will witness the magical process of photo development, which never fails to amaze both children and adults!
Fee: 1 photo – €10.